Crabapple Trees

[RKW]

Hello everyone, I am wanting to plant a crabapple tree or however many it takes to pollenate. Do any of you have crabapple trees and if so what kind do you recommend? My mother used to make the best crabapple jelly every year for me. She's gone now and I miss her and all the times we shared. I've got her recipe for the jelly and can get all of the crabapples I want but I would love to have my own as well. Thanks for your input.

Roger

[Misplaced Texan]

Hi, RKW,  welcome to the forum.

There was a crabapple here when we bought this place 2 years ago so i don't know what type it is.  But even though there is only one we get a ton of little crabapples every year for the last two.  When I say little I mean not much bigger than a big grape.  I cook them down anyway and strain them for jelly and it is really good.  Once i didn't have enough for a batch and mixed the crabapple juice with plum juice.  it is excellent also.

Sorry i am not more help.  enjoy your time here.

Gail

[RKW]

Thanks Gail, I don't know how big some may get but the ones we used were bigger than a quarter but smaller than a fifty cent coin. I don't have a clue as to which may grow the best in my area but you are not that far from here so we probably could grow under the same conditions. Thanks

Roger

[ACrickRunsThroughIt]

My favorite crabapple is the Whitney. It's good for making jam and/or jellies and also good for eating out of hand. It's one of the first apple trees to bear in late summer. As a farm boy in the 50s I used to pick them and carry them in the toolbox of the Farmall B as I cultivated corn. As for pollinating, I think I've seen the Dolgo crabapple recommended.
Here'sd a link to some info on the Whitney. http://www.grandpasorchard.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=trees.plantDetail&plant_id=56

[farmgirl62]

we have them growing wild in the woods, this year looks like it will be a great year for them, I guess due to the warm weather this winter.  I'd love to have your mom's recipe if you can share,

Candy

[LonghornRancher]

We have a couple prairie fire and a couple snow bells and a mayhaw.  Mayhaw tastes the (jelly)best.  Crabs make decent wine.

[Samcro]

I make a bit of wine ,  nothing better than Apple wine & Shine

Sam

[Soilguy]

When we lived in Maine, I planted a "Sargeant Crab" and a "Dolgo". Both were nice, but the Dolgo was a much grander tree, and make the best little apples I every saw. Did not do anything with the little apples, but they tasted pretty good and the tree was beautiful and very productive with just a little maintenance. Good luck. Larry